The most likely reason to be started on amlodipine is for blood pressure control. It causes relaxation and dilation of the blood vessels leading to lowering of blood pressure. The other reason people are started on amlodipine is for control of chest pain in people with coronary artery disease, amlodipine is thought to achieve this effect by decreasing the amount of work the heart has to do with each beat. Although most people won’t experience amlodipine side effects, it is important to be aware of them as in some cases, amlodipine side effects will require them to discontinue the medication.
The Most Common – Ankle Swelling
Swelling is the most common of amlodipine side effects, usually manifesting as swelling of the feet and ankles. If we look at clinical trial studies of amlodipine that looked at thousands of patients, the number of people experiencing swelling appears to be related to the dose taken. In those taking low dose (2.5mg) amlodipine, about 2 people in every 100 taking the drug reported leg swelling (2%). In those taking higher dose (10mg) amlodipine, about 10 people in every 100 reported leg swelling (10%). Interestingly, women are more likely to get the swelling, and most people tolerate this well and do not have to discontinue the medication.
Less Common Side Effects – Fatigue and Flushing
Less common amlodipine side effects are fatigue and flushing. In studies of amlodipine fatigue was reported in 5% of people taking the drug. Interestingly 3% of people taking a sugar pill (placebo) in the same studies reported fatigue also. Flushing is slightly less common. At the low doses such as 2.5mg, less than 1% of people report flushing, however at higher doses up to 3% of people report flushing, and this is more common in women. The number of people reporting palpitations is similar. Abdominal pain is reported even less frequently. The decision as to whether to stop the medication due to these amlodipine side effects should be determined with the prescribing doctor on a case-by-case basis.
Uncommon And Rare Side Effects
There is a long list of amlodipine side effects that occur in less than 1 in 100 people taking the medication and an even longer list that occur in less than 1 in 1000 people taking the complication. These include allergic reactions, shortness of breath, itching and cramps. Clicking on the following link will take you to the FDA prescribing information for amlodipine that contains this long list of uncommon and rare amlodipine side effects and details about other studies of the drug.
What To Do If You Think You Have A Side Effect
As can be seen on many Internet message boards, given the fact amlodipine is such a highly prescribed medication, there will always be people that have, or are concerned they have a side effect. Of course in some cases, the people will tolerate these amlodipine effects more than others. In every case of concern this should be discussed with the prescribing doctor. If the side effect is troublesome, the only way to know for sure if amlodipine is causing the symptoms is to have a trial of stopping the medication. Fortunately amlodipine side effects are not common. Also amlodipine is not generally prescribed on an emergency basis, and alternatives are often available, so if the patient decides with the help of their doctor to stop the medication and try an alternative it is not usually a critical issue.
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Comments are purely for informational purposes and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Disclaimer
I have some swelling. But I have what looks like a concentration of freckles around my feet.
I’ve been on increased dose of amlodipine for a month now,I also had itchy feet,mainly on top near toes,it seems to have calmed down,now I just get swollen ankles all the time
Well my grandma takes the pill the big ones she can barely walk ..her leg tight in up and got smaller ..and then her feet get dark and tight and sometimes they swell. She’s on the 10 mg.Someone Answer? What can she do ?
She should see the Dr that prescribed the amlodipine and discuss a possible relation to the swelling. If felt to be related then discuss alternative blood pressure agents.
I have swollen ankles and feet and a terribly painful angry red ankle rash
I was taking 2.5mg of amlopidine. The E.R doctor took it upon her self to raise my amlopidine to 10mg .weeks after I too am suffering from the swelling .lower leg more of .and the foot n ankle area at times .not too mention other issues it was causing making me feel like crap. My doctor lowered it to 5 but i think one of 2 things has to happen either it has to be lowered some more or its got to go . .ive taken the water pills for 5 days and the swelling is still there .plenty of blood labs were run in my numerous E R visits my vital organs are working fine so they said. its that medicine im thinking
Well i take the meds and i started off with the freckles only around my feet now there covering my body
I have recently had my Amlopodine increased from 5mg to 10mg by my GP. I also rake Losartin 100 mg.
I am getting severe swelling of my feet, ankles and up to my thighs. I have also got what looks like hives and my skin is itching like mad!
If you are getting severe swelling, you may well need to discontinue the amlodipine, i recommend you discuss this with the prescribing physician.
Given the large amount of people we have been able to help here, we are starting a twitter to help keep heart patients up to date with advances and relevant information. Mine can be followed at @MustafaAhmedMD
I have been taking Amlodipine 5 mg once a day since 05/2016. The only side effect that I have experienced is swelling around my ankles. My ankles hurt. The swelling does get better when I elevate my feet. It seems I keep a pocket of fluid right below my ankle. Should I be concerned? Should I change my medication? I have never been on anything except Amlodpine. What is the actual cause of my ankles swelling?
Im my patients with ankle swelling in general, i switch them to another anti-hypertensive agent.
If you are interested in information and therapy for heart disease then feel free to follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
@MustafaAhmedMD. What to do the ease the discomfort of feet swelling thanks.
If its due to the amlodipine then you should switch to another medicine.
My go has taken me off amlodipine for a month ‘after one week my feet and ankles are lovely now no swelling ‘it also caused redness and recurring infections like cellulitis ‘I am on 2beta blockers so hopefully I can stay off it .
Excellent.
you can follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
Good afternoon,in 2014,i woke up in the morning,i couldnt breathe well,it was strange,so i went to see the cardiologist,he immediately placed me on (spirilactone 50mg,dicoxine 0.25mg,lisanopril 10mg,ferusimide 80mg,vasoprin,.and all of a sudden i started feeling better.In june 2016,my condition became bad,i saw another cardiologist,and she placed me on co-diovan 160/25,it was okay for sometime,before it relapsed,i was admitted in the hospital in june 2017,i was diagnized with high blood pressure,congestive heart failure,Angina and irregular heart beat.i recovered,i was placed on (spirilactone 50mg-twice daily,allopurinol 100mg-three times daily,amlodipine 10mg-once daily,cataflam 50mg),but my biggest problem is i can hardly work,i have severe swelling on my ankle and feet,i complained to the doctor,they said the level of uric acid in my body is too high,the pain is unbearable,i cant work out,i cant sleep well,i can barely function,im having problem breathing well,eating,sleeping.im over weight,having chest pain periodically,I have stopped using the amlodipine for 2 days now,it got finished and i havent bought a new one.please what should i do,what can i take for this severe pain on my left ankle and feet,what can i use to substitute the amlodipine 10mg,please help me,i need help.i have taken alot of pain relievers,i even placed my self on diclofenac injection 75 ampulles just to reduce the pain.
I don’t think the amlodipine is related, the amlodipine in some people can cause leg swelling. It does not really have a role in leg pain. My advice is to go seek comprehensive medical evaluation.
Do blood pressure meds lose their effectiveness if taken for a long time? I have been on Diovan 320 mg (the brand); Sular 17mg (brand) for many years. My blood pressure is still too high. I have very severe ankle and foot swelling because of these meds. What else would you recommend in place of these meds— something more effective that does not cause ankle/ and feet swelling? Thanks. Vicky
Hi Vicky, i will stop short of recommending a treatment regimen over the net however i can tell you there are multiple alternatives that can be tried.
Because of my sudden feet and ankle swelling my dr. took me completely off of 10 mg. of amlodipine and increased my benazepril dosage from 20 mg to 40 mg daily. Is benazepril alone effective for high blood pressure control? I am an 80 year old African American female. Thank you.
what determines whether leg and feet swelling is because of water retention rather than a vascular problem of poor circulation causing blood to pool in ankles and feet, appearing as swelling? I am an 80 year old African American female. Thank you.
This can easily be determined with testing for competence of blood supply.
I have been on Amolodipine for a few years and recently my ankles are quite swollen, since I’ve taken the med for quite some time could I have a reaction now?
Amlodipine has leg swelling as a known side effect however its important to seek medical evaluation to rule out other causes of leg swelling prior to attributing it to amlodipine here since you have been taking it for so long.
you can follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
How long does it take after stopping amlodopine for the swelling to go away?
I have been off Amlodipine for 5 days, and the swelling in my feet, ankles and lower legs has gone. I still have a little discomfort, because my skin seems to have been stretched by the fluid retention. I had been taking Amlodipine for almost 6 years.
About 10 days ago my Amlodipine which started at 2.5, then increased after a yr to 5 mg was increased to 10 mg 10 days ago. For the past 3 days I have experience severe swelling in ankles and feet with itchiness. After looking at what might have changed this is the closest conclusion the increase. Very thankful the pictures on the web brought me to your website. I will be seeing my doctor tomorrow to resolve this issue if or if not its the increase.
Glad it was of help.
you can follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
5mg of Amlodipine has been taken continuously twice a day since the kidney transplant took place in the year 2014. My daughter has developed a swelling on her feet and ankles. This issue has been consulted with Nephrologist in one of the renown hospitals of India. At the same time, creatinine level from 1.2 to 1. 33, therefore Nephrologists have suggested renal biopsy to determine the proper function or rejection of the transplant kidney but there was no indication of rejection.(after test). Therefore, I would be grateful to know if you could kindly highlight the swelling of legs.
I have been taking amlodipine for about 6-7 years. Recently I’ve been getting swelling in my legs that leaves a very pronounced “sock ring” which usually goes away in a few hours. However I’ve recently been getting SEVERE leg cramping at night that wakes me up 2-3 times a night. At times it is so painful that it fees like my shin is going to break. Could this severe cramping be related to the amlodipine (10 mg. once daily) ?
Its less likely since its a new problem despite long standing use of the medication. With regard to the cramping have the levels of blood potassium and other salts been checked? Has a diuretic been started that could be causing this? Its worth a check up and some testing to answer the above.
you can follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
I am on amlodipine 5mg and told my GP I only take 2.5 now my blood pressure at home show mostly 127/81 or in between
147/79 to /84 but in surgery its between 163/90 or 153/ 90.
I would like to try and leave them off and see how my blood pressure goes. They also make the bottom of my legs red.
I have been taken amlodipine at 10mg one per day. Been taking for about one year. I’ve noticed indenting around my legs from my socks, never noticed before. Also have seen problems with sexual performance that I first thought maybe stress. I feel that the bp med is the culprit. I’m 55.
Thank you. I have been taking Amlodipine for a couple weeks now and have both of those side effects. Now im sure the Amlodopine is causing it.
Are there other blood pressure medications that work like Amlodipine but do not cause all of the swelling?
Yes, many.
Thanks doc,My ankles and legs swelling are the result of my 80/5 twynsta medication.
What other blood pressure medications work like amlodipine butdo not cause all the swelling?
dsoileau1964@gmail.com I need alternative medication, swelling in ankles and feet.
Hi, I’m 42 yrs old with no other health issues but recently diagnosed with high blood pressure. My gp started me with hydrochlorothiazide (25 mg) but my potassium levels were down. So I was switched to amlodipine (5mg). Given all the side effects, can I start with 2.5mg and see how it goes instead of 5 mg right away?
Thanks
5mg is the usual starting dose. Most people don’t have side effects with it.
Hi Elaine,
I too am an otherwise healthy female in my 40s recently taking Amlodipine. My doctor started me on 5 mg. I’m not a fan of taking medications, but have tried reducing on my own with no long term success. I’ve experienced some swelling on the bottom of my right foot. I’m one week in and The med seems to be working. What’s your experience with Amlodipine?
I was on 20 mg Lisinopril for over a year with no discernible side effect. It seemed to work and dropped my blood pressure down into the 120 – 130 systolic range most of the time. My GP switched me to Amlodipine 5 mg at my last visit, since she thought it might be contributing to a cough that I attributed to seasonal allergies. I’ve been taking it for about 10 days now and I noticed two instances when I start to exercise, my chest feels tight and I feel slightly short of breath for a few minutes. That feeling dissipates quickly but it is disconcerting since I have never had that before. Is this a side effect of Amlodipine?
Not necessarily however you need to call the prescribing physician and discuss this symptom.
I’ve been taking amlodipine for almost a year and i notice swelling on my ankles and thighs and i could not sleep at night because of itching and tingling that kept me awake and going in the morning.
I’ve been taking amlodipine for almost a year and i notice swelling on my ankles and thighs and i could not sleep at night because of itching and tingling that kept me awake and going in the morning.
I’ve been taking amlodipine for almost a year and i notice swelling on my ankles and thighs and i could not sleep at night because of itching and tingling that kept me awake and going in the morning.
I’ve been taking amlodipine for almost a year and i notice swelling on my ankles and thighs and i could not sleep at night because of itching and tingling that kept me awake and going in the morning.
You should discuss an alternative medication with your prescribing physician.
you can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
I’ve been taking Amlodipine 10mg for about 3 months & I have lower leg & ankle swelling & S.O.B.anxiety ….But, I tried HCTZ 12.5mg for about 2 yrs & it made me drop yo much weight too fast & depleted my potassium & caused neuropathy, numbness l tingling in my feet.. It t proved to be dangerous due to me not being able to feel or control my footing going downstairs on carpet @ home & I fell & injured my hip & shifted my spine..
Good information Dr you give to patients,you lessen our worries especially to those who are miles away to GP or proper medical service
Glad you find it helpful.
you can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
I’ve been taking norvasc 5mg for a while and have swelling in face, fingers, and feet!
Is this the medication?
Thx
Its possible and should be discussed with the prescribing physician.
you can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
I took amlodipine for 1 week and had a myriad of side effects, the worst being watery red eyes and blurred vision. I didn’t take it for 24 hrs and by 36 hrs my se’s had disappeared. I am now taking losartan 25mg but my BP is dropping too low and making me feel weak. Can I break the tablet and take 12.5mg instead?
Good morning Doctor,
Have you heard of similar cases after taking Hydrochlorothiazide? My daughter (12 years) has been taking this medicine for several years and has identical spots on her legs. Every year it is getting bigger and bigger. Nobody knows the cause
I have been taking 10mg every other day for the past year and around mid day I get face flushing, red ears and very warm face which lasts for 3 or 4 hours. Is this a side effect and is there something else to lower blood pressure?
If only on the days you take your med this may be the case and alternatives will be available that can be discussed with the prescribing physician.
you can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
I started 5 mg Amlodipine on Dec26 as an addition to Ibersartan, which I’ve been on for years, and had a photo-toxic reaction on Dec28, a sunburn that came about with hardly any exposure. I blamed it on skin ointments. Realized it might be the Amlodipine, and stopped it on Jan2 (basically took it for 8 days). Dermatologist confirmed, “Phototoxic reaction, likely due to systemic medication.” I’ve been working out and brought my BP down to 122/80. But….I ended up with hives on back over the last several days. I went to my GP who said, that this is likely due to the same thing, and that though the Amlodipine is out of my system (been off 2 weeks), my skin is affected, and therefore, I can still react. He said just like the sun was catalyst for a reaction, my sweat and heat from working out can be the same. He prescribed Antihistamines and gave me a shot of trimcinalone, to quiet the underlying cause, a reaction to Amlodipine or something else. If my skin has been sensitized by the Amlodipine, is there a timeline for this to abate. I’m sure the treatment will be effective for the hives now….but how long will this situation last? I realize that each case is different, but is there a general timeline. Thank you for having this very informative website!
I have been taking amlodine 5mg isn’t a day and losartan potassium 25mg daily also ankels and feet swell up a little what is it now is always good please answer me.
If the swelling is an issue it may be worth discussing amlodipine use with your prescriber.
you can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD